Brittany Simpson and her family faced one of the most terrifying situations any dog owner can endure when their cherished dog, Ruger, disappeared from their yard.
The family embarked on an extensive search for Ruger, holding onto hope that he would be found, especially since he was microchipped.
Tragically, seven years went by without any news, leading them to believe that their sweet dog had been stolen, causing them to lose all hope of seeing him again.
Unbeknownst to them, Ruger was about to return home.
Ruger Returns
In Amarillo, Texas, Rebecca and her daughters discovered a dog wandering around their yard.
The canine was in poor shape, suffering from a skin infection.
Despite his initial shyness and distrust, Rebecca and her family were able to coax him inside. They provided him with food and a bath.
Since the dog was still trembling after his bath, Rebecca knew a trip to the vet was essential. She was concerned he might have a fever.
Later that day, she snapped a picture of the dog and shared it on Amarillo Pet Lost And Found, hoping someone would recognize him.
On what seemed like a typical June day, Simpson was browsing Facebook when a familiar face caught her eye.
Simpson was astounded.
“I immediately recognized him, and my heart sank! I thought, ‘That looks so much like my dog,’” Simpson recounted to The Dodo.
The dog in the image appeared older, but Simpson could see his distinct markings.
Choked with emotion, she commented on Rebecca’s post, expressing her belief that the dog was Ruger, who had been missing for seven years.
She included an old photo of Ruger to substantiate her claim.
After viewing Simpson’s image, Rebecca was convinced that it was the same dog. She took him to the vet for a check-up and to scan for a microchip.
Once Simpson received the call from the microchip agency, she hurried to the vet to reunite with her long-lost companion.
It all felt surreal to her. Simpson had never imagined she’d get another chance to see Ruger.
Reunited With His Family
Upon arriving at the veterinary clinic, Simpson approached her beloved dog and caressed him gently.
Initially, Ruger kept his head lowered and didn’t recognize her instantly.
Simpson suspected that Ruger had not been treated kindly by his previous keepers. He was suffering from a double ear infection and a bacterial infection.
She brought him to his forever home in Amarillo.
The family embraced Ruger with open arms, showering him with love.
Simpson’s children had never forgotten their cherished dog, and they were ecstatic to have him back in their lives.
“It feels like a dream come true. We just sit with him and cuddle as we watch him sleep,” Simpson shared.
Ruger’s family resolved to compensate for all the lost time and envelop him in the love he had missed for so long.
Shortly after returning home, Ruger began to heal and adjust to life with his loving family.
He started to open up, basking in the warmth of their affection.
At last, Ruger was right where he was always meant to be.
